Fuji X-T20 Review

Of the three cameras in Fujifilm’s January announcement, I was most interested to review the X-T20. Partly because I’d liked the X-T10, partly because I loved the X-T2, partly because it supported 4K video. I have three videos about the X-T20 for you – the review; a side-by side comparison with the X-T2; and the video settings to select if you’re in a hurry to get shooting.

I do read and respond to all comments, which are moderated. If, either here or on YouTube, you leave a relevant and civil comment without links (which are filtered by YouTube) it will be posted.

For your guidance
The products reviewed are on loan, and returned after the review unless otherwise mentioned. I am not sponsored by any manufacturer. The X-T20 kit was on loan from Fujifilm.
My relationship with Fujfilm: In exchange for assistance with their video production, Fujifilm has provided the extended loan of a Fuji X-T2, XF-16-55 and XF50-140 lenses.
I am not compensated for my reviews except through Google Adwords. The B&H links are affiliate links, I do receive a small commission – but please do not allow this to influence your purchase decision.
I would encourage you to visit and support your local photo/video retailer.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Youtube. I enjoy your videos just as much as I enjoy Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe, As It Happens, or the many other CBC Radio programs, and TV shows (Anne is my current favourite). There is a simplicity and clarity in it that is unique, informative, and entertaining. Truly Canadian.

I know you have reviewed both D5500 and X-T20 and your friend Paul Marshman prefers D5500 over mirrorless.

I have a Nikon D40 with a 35/1.8 (portraits, kids) that doesn’t go out anymore and a RX100 Mark I that goes out with me to social events, travel etc. I also have an SB-800 flash, SB-400 flash and a film SLR for the occasional experimentation.

Having just received my tax refund, I now have an urge to buy a new camera to replace RX100 and/or D40 and since Zach Arias started making videos of Fuji, I have been desiring an X-series for a few years.

But, I feel an X-T20 + 23/2 is overpriced at $1920 (Henrys). I paid $600 for the used D40 + 35/1.8 in 2009 and $400 open box for the RX100 2 years ago.

I am not a professional photographer so the only person who will pixel peep my photos is me. I can imagine the colour or sharpness being better, and many photos in lesser light being possible but the weight, the size, and the price is making me hesitate. I certainly can see it replacing my old reliable D40 but don’t know if carrying it with me will be anywhere close to RX100 (small camera bag with shoulder strap). Here is a photo I made last weekend with RX100 that I wish were sharper and better focused but ISO higher than 1600 becomes too grainy for me so I don’t use it.

How would you describe carrying an X-T20 vs RX100 vs D5500 (another camera I am considering)?
It is a tool but RX100 made me go out and make many photos that I didn’t with the D40. Wondering if you see the possibility of another creative push with the X-T20.

Thanks for writing, I appreciate your kinds words.
Although it seems as if we’re on opposite sides, Paul and I just arbitrarily took sides for the video – we were trying to stress the advantages and disadvantages of both, and I personally believe both types have a lot to offer.
I’m always hesitant to recommend a new camera to someone who I feel has a perfectly good camera – and I think both the RX100 and the D40 would qualify. That said, I’m happy to recommend Fuji, and the X-T20, and would feel that it could likely replace both. The X-T20 is small, not as small as the RX100, but I do find it an easy carry, particularly with the kit lens.
To make a couple of suggestions for the RX100 photo – in my view, it’s not ISO that’s making it grainy. The image is focussed on the railing, not the faces, and the exposure, particularly of the faces is a little dark. That could be remedied with a little exposure compensation and a different focus mode (or face detection – although I’m the first to admit Sony does not often recognize faces with glasses).
As for creativity, I do find Fuji cameras to be very creatively stimulating – more than other cameras, they encourage me to take photos and to try different approaches.
I hope these rambling thoughts help,
Maarten

“To make a couple of suggestions for the RX100 photo – in my view, it’s not ISO that’s making it grainy. The image is focussed on the railing, not the faces, and the exposure, particularly of the faces is a little dark.”

Agreed. Mine was set to Center focus with face detection on. I had to make a very quick reaction shot, I didn’t have time to focus and recompose and didn’t have time to see if it picked the face (which it didn’t). For some reason, I have never included exposure compensation into my exposure thinking but I will do it now and experiment with it till I get it right. Thank you.

I just removed D5500, 85/1.8, 60/2.8 macro from my wish list and replaced it with Fuji X-T20 + 23/2 🙂